Chapter 278: Chapter 278 Do You Love Me

A photo was gently, slipped into the pocket of his shirt.

Crystal thoughtfully adjusted his clothes before patting his shirt.

Henry fixed his gaze on her as he pulled out the photo.

It was a photo of the new intern at his law firm, Lara Chamber, He moved to the edge of the bed and took a seat. He loosened his tie and questioned, “She’s only an intern. Why are you so bothered about her?

“Just an intern?”

Crystal made her way over to him, bent down, and said softly, “Henry, you’ve gone too far. Do you seriously think I won’t lose my temper?”

Henry chuckled softly and reached out to caress her cheek.

Crystal hated it when he acted this way. She wanted to dodge, but he was fast enough to wrap an arm around her waist. He began to fondle her frivolously.

“Really? What about you? Do you love me? When we have sex, you’ll hug me and say my name. Are you calling me or the man in your memories, huh? I’m just a substitute, Crystal. You’re no better than me.”

Pain assailed Crystal’s heart.

She lowered her gaze and sneered, “Henry, all you’re saying is that you won’t fire her. Answer me this. Are you seeking an intern or holding onto a remnant of your past regrets? Henry, while you’re sleeping with me and enjoying the benefits of being married to me, you keep someone like that next to you. Isn’t it disgusting?”

Crystal picked up the photo and tore it into pieces in front of him.

Henry stepped back, his eyes glistening. He had never seen that side of Crystal.

After a considerable pause, he let out a soft chuckle. “I’ve come to realize I married a strong-willed woman.”

He reached out and pulled her into his arms.

As their bodies came into contact, the air turned amorous.

Crystal looked down and said coldly, “I just gave birth less than a month ago. Are you a beast?”

Henry wanted to have sex with her, but her words made his desire fade away.

Of course, they had shed all pretenses, so there was no need for him to hold back or mask his emotions. He pinched her cheek and said, “Well, I can’t help but be a beast every night when I’m with you, Mrs. Miller.”

Crystal pushed him aside. She rose to her feet and smoothened the wrinkles on her attire, then forcefully swung the door open and walked away.

That night, she didn’t return to the master bedroom. knew, she could be spending the night in the guest room or the study, missing the old Henry.

Yes, their marriage had a problem, for she loved her husband.

Henry didn’t remember her. Despite sharing six months together and putting in the effort, he found himself incapable of developing affection for her.

The shredded photo were scattered on the ground.

Henry knew that if he loved her, he would do whatever she asked of him. However, he did not love her, and their marriage was falling apart.

Presently, there was no need for pretense, and Henry experienced a sense of relief.

To him, marriage ought to be straightforward, involving shared child-rearing responsibilities and occasional intimacy, perhaps a few times over the weekends.

It was hard if emotions were involved.

However, he soon realized that Crystal wasn’t simply sulking; she was being serious.

Upon returning from social gatherings, he frequently found her absent at home.

The housekeeper would inform him that she had gone to the Miller residence to look after the children.

Even when she was at home, she would refuse to sleep in the same bed as him.

A week later, at Adroit Law Firm, Henry was sitting in his chair, touching his chin in silence.

After she was done reporting work matters, Jamie smiled and said, “Tomorrow’s Saturday, Mr. Miller. Have a nice weekend!”

Henry snapped back to reality and gave her a forced smile.

Jamie was about to suggest some ways to improve his relationship with Crystal when someone pushed the door open. In walked a graceful, youthful figure with a striking appearance. It was none other than Lara.

Henry furrowed his brows.

“Yes?” Jamie asked.

“Mr. Miller, today is my birthday. I baked this cake personally and wanted to gift it to you.” Lara lifted the cake box in her hand and spoke with a hint of shyness.

Henry gave Jamie a look.

Jamie took the box from her and placed it on the desk. “Thanks!”

Instead of leaving, Lara bit her lip innocently. “Actually, a few colleagues are holding a birthday party for me. I’d like to invite you both to the party.”

Jamie couldn’t help but curse inwardly, What a b*tch!

Henry declined the invitation straight away. “No, thanks. And don’t come into my office as you like next time.”

She indeed resembled Audrey and was trying to seduce him.

Nevertheless, Henry never had romantic feelings for Audrey, let alone the young lady standing in front of him. Audrey was dead, so he felt a bit sad seeing Lara and only wanted her to have a bright future.

No matter how angry Crystal was, he didn’t fire her.

Lara was humiliated to be at the receiving end of Henry’s rejection.

She seemed to be on the verge of tears. “Mr. Miller, I didn’t mean anything else.”

“Get out!”

Lara covered her face and left the office, closing the door behind her.

Henry closed his file. “Isn’t it the weekend? Order a bouquet for me.”

He wanted to pick Crystal up.

Jamie replied in the affirmative cheerfully.

Crystal had been occupied with gym and yoga sessions lately.

Úpon learning of her positive outcomes, Madison decided to join her. However, after less than thirty minutes of exercise, Madison found herself collapsing on the floor, utterly drained: Crystal, on the other hand, appeared unfazed, evoking a sense of envy from Madison. “Crystal, your stamina is impressive!”

Crystal continued working out.

Seeing that, the gym trainer left them both alone.

Crystal got herself a lotion and began to massage her waist. “I’ve given birth to two children. If I don’t work out, how can I even try to keep up with the younger ladies?” Her voice held a touch of self- deprecating humor.

Madison didn’t share her sentiments.

After all, Crystal had a great figure.

Ordinary young ladies weren’t as fit as her.

She extended her hand to playfully touch Crystal’s waist. Their lighthearted moment was interrupted when Crystal’s assistant, Edith entered and informed them. “Miss Winters, there’s a young lady here to see you.”

Crystal asked, “What did she say?”

“She says her surname is Chamber.”

Crystal slowly wiped her sweat away with a towel as she replied, “Let her in.”

Edith opened the door and headed out.

Madison felt uncomfortable. “Is she the person you told me about? Seriously? Back then, when Audrey practically offered herself to Henry, he wasn’t even interested in her!”

Crystal flashed a smile. “You don’t know men and their infatuation for their first love.”

Madison rolled her eyes in response.

A while later, Edith entered the room, accompanied by a young girl. The girl possessed a certain charm- but appeared slightly uneasy. Upon entering, she offered a soft greeting, “Mrs. Miller.”

Crystal was stretching out at the bar.

Her slender waist and long legs evoked Lara’s jealousy instantly.

Lara bit her lip, imagining the scene of Henry ravishing Crystal’s gorgeous body every night.

Crystal didn’t bother replying to her greeting.

She finished her stretching before turning to look at the young lady.

She’s indeed gorgeous, but she’s pretentious. And she isn’t as pretty as her photo suggested. In fact, she seems a little petty.

Crystal recalled the striking impression Audrey had made during her initial appearance.

With that thought in mind, she instantly felt so much better.

Edith gave her a water bottle and a towel thoughtfully. “Miss Winters, have some water.”

Leaning against the bar, Crystal drank a few sips of water before giving Lara a smile. “Why are you here?”

Lara’s voice quivered as she spoke in a hushed tone. “Mrs. Miller, I understand you’re angry with me, but you don’t need to take it to this extent. I’d been looking forward to my birthday celebration, yet none of my coworkers turned up. I am well aware that you orchestrated this.”

Birthday celebration where none of her coworkers turned up?

Crystal could guess that it was Jamie’s doing. The latter only needed to start a rumor, and no one would dare to be friends with Lara anymore.

Jamie is really reliable, huh?

Crystal flashed a lazy smile. “Really? I had no idea about that.” She gave Edith a look, and the latter took the water bottle from her. As she continued stretching, she remarked. “Miss Chamber, you’re youthful and attractive. Why would you hold onto a married man? Perhaps you resemble Henry’s first love, and he might occasionally think about the past when he looked at you. I can tolerate that, but it can only stay in his thoughts!”

Lara’s self-esteem suffered a blow.

She had no idea that the affluent woman in front of her would reveal the truth so easily.

How dare she?

Sweat pooled on Crystal’s nose as she continued, “No one is allowed to mention Audrey’s name in our family. There’s no way she’ll be able to marry into the Miller family even if given multiple chances, let alone you!”

Lara refused to believe her.

I’m young and pretty, and she’s not my match. Besides, Mr. Miller is about to arrive soon.

Lara produced a small blade and held it beside her cheek. Tears brimmed in her eyes as she uttered, “Mrs. Miller, you’ve misunderstood everything. I never intended to disrupt your family. It’s not my fault that I look like this. If my presence is so distressing, I’ll destroy my own face!”

Crystal blinked gently and turned to Edith. “Did Miss Chamber major in acting?”

Edith cleared her throat. “She majored in history!”

Crystal nodded and continued working out. Six burly bodyguards dressed in black appeared in front of Lara instantly.

Lara’s face paled. She had no idea Crystal was this wary of her.

Crystal said indifferently, “If you want to cut your face, go ahead. Henry will be here shortly, and you can regale him with tales of how I mistreated you. Feel free to request his assistance in escorting you to the hospital as well.”

Crystal felt annoyed as Audrey had pulled the same trick previously.

Lara’s blade fell to the ground as she said in a trembling voice, “Mrs. Miller, I won’t destroy your family!”

She spun on her heels and ran away.

Crystal chuckled softly. She guessed that Henry had arrived.

Indeed, Lara bumped into Henry at the door.

It was clear that she wanted to throw herself at him.

Henry helped her up and frowned. “Why is she here?” His question was directed at Crystal.

Before Crystal could reply, Lara said in a shaking voice, “I’m sorry, Mr. Miller. I didn’t mean to destroy your family. Please tell Mrs.

Miller not to worry!”

Crystal rolled her eyes.

Henry got someone to dismiss Lara, and both Madison and Edith made their exit, understanding the unspoken cue. After working out, Crystal proceeded to apply massage cream to her waist. Her skin grew warm, enveloping her in a soothing and comforting sensation.

She was skinny to begin with, so her body was fit after the workout session.

In fact, Henry thought he could hold her waist entirely with one arm.

Henry took the massage cream from her and slowly pressed her down, massaging her waist.

Crystal raised her chin and narrowed her eyes at him.

There was a provoking look in her gaze, and she looked especially alluring. Henry wanted nothing more than to have his way with her right there and then. However, he knew that Crystal was deliberately seducing him, and she would never allow him to touch her.

He leaned over, his hot breath fanning her ear. “Your waist is slender, and your skin is hot.”

Crystal sneered, “Really? But I think it can’t be compared to someone else’s look.”